The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria nationwide protest addressing various socio-economic issues has nearly shut down economic activities in Lagos.
Traders in Lagos typically conduct a weekly sanitation exercise every Thursday morning, ending at 10 am.
However, coinciding with the protest, the normally busy markets remained closed after the exercise.
We gathered that major markets in areas like Ikotun, Egbeda, Iyana Ipaja, Dopemu, Akowonjo, Ayobo, Ikeja, Agege, and Ojota were all shut down.
Some traders were seen hanging around, waiting to see what would happen.
One trader, Emmanuel said that they would open their shops later, depending on how the protest unfolded.
“We are going to open our shops but not yet. We are still observing how the protest will turn out,” he said.
Another trader, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern for the safety of their market over the sanitation exercise.
He said, “Many of us did not observe the sanitation exercise. All we are concerned is about the safety of our market.”
Banks and gas stations in these areas were also closed, and residents were seen gathered in their communities discussing the situation.
Heavy security presence was observed in these locations, with officers stationed at key points.
The protest, called “Days of Rage,” is scheduled to take place nationwide from August 1 to 10.
However, top government officials, various groups, and religious bodies, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria (Lagos chapter), and the Muslim Rights Concern, have urged for the protest to be called off, fearing it could be taken over by those with bad intentions.
Watch the video below:
JUST IN: #EndBadGovernance Protesters have Taken To The Streets In Lagos#EndBadGovernanceProtest #EndBadGovernaceInNigeria #EndBadGovernance
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) August 1, 2024
Massive massive crowd in Ketu, Lagos..
I’m very very surprised. pic.twitter.com/2nZwoViqZ7
— Morris Monye (@Morris_Monye) August 1, 2024
A woman takes an empty pot along to the #EndBadGovernance protest at Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja, Lagos
E don red 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria #EndBadGovernanceProtest #protest24 pic.twitter.com/bnn2Bfv1mP
— SportsDokita (Odogwu ☝️) (@Sports_Doctor2) August 1, 2024
Ikeja, Lagos!#EndBadGovernaceInNigeria 💪💪
— Pearls (@MissPearls) August 1, 2024
Lagos Protest! We are outside! pic.twitter.com/4rohUv1CHA
— King Durotimi Dawodu (@TimiBlaze) August 1, 2024